World Environmental Health Day 2026: Standing with Science to Protect Communities

 

Observed every year on 26 September, World Environmental Health Day highlights the vital connection between the environment and human health. The 2026 theme, “Environmental Health: Standing with Science to Protect Communities,” calls for evidence-based action to address environmental risks and safeguard public well-being.

Environmental health encompasses the conditions in which people live, work and grow—including clean air, safe water, sanitation, food safety, healthy housing, waste management and protection from harmful pollutants. A healthy environment is essential for preventing disease, promoting well-being and enabling communities to live with dignity. Climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, unsafe waste disposal and environmental degradation can affect health directly and indirectly, while often placing a greater burden on vulnerable and underserved communities.

Today, environmental health challenges are becoming increasingly interconnected. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, air and water pollution, plastic waste, inadequate sanitation and changing patterns of resource use can affect communities in multiple ways. These challenges can influence not only physical health but also livelihoods, food and water security, productivity and overall quality of life. Addressing them requires preventive action, stronger local systems and greater awareness among communities.

Niyatee Foundation recognises that environmental health is closely linked with community well-being, sustainable livelihoods and resilience. Through its grassroots initiatives, the Foundation promotes practical, community-based solutions in sustainable waste management, WASH, environmental awareness, plantation, climate resilience and responsible use of natural resources. Its waste-management initiatives encourage source segregation, recycling, composting, reduction of plastic use and adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives, while working with urban local bodies, SHGs, waste workers and community groups to strengthen local ownership.

The Foundation also promotes environmental stewardship through plantation and awareness activities. In one initiative with an urban local body, 5,356 saplings were planted across nine wards over two years, while plantation drives involving more than 12,000 saplings have also been undertaken across rural and urban locations, particularly in and around crèche centres across 13 blocks. These efforts contribute to greener surroundings while encouraging children, caregivers and communities to recognise the importance of trees, biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.

Niyatee Foundation further integrates disaster resilience and climate awareness into community development through the development and strengthening of village-level disaster management plans across 16 districts. By facilitating the formation of Village Disaster Management Committees, strengthening local preparedness, raising awareness and engaging community volunteers, the Foundation supports communities in understanding, mitigating and responding to environmental and climate-related risks. This approach recognises that environmental health is an integral part of sustainable development, disaster preparedness and community resilience.Science has an important role in this effort. Reliable information, community-level observations, data and evidence-based solutions can help identify environmental risks, understand their potential health impacts and guide appropriate interventions. However, scientific knowledge becomes most effective when it is translated into practical action and combined with local knowledge, community participation and institutional collaboration.

Protecting environmental health is therefore not only the responsibility of governments and technical experts. Communities, institutions, businesses, civil society organisations and individuals all have a role in making healthier and more sustainable choices. Simple actions such as reducing waste, segregating waste at source, conserving water, maintaining hygienic surroundings, protecting green spaces, reducing plastic consumption and preparing for climate-related risks can collectively contribute to healthier communities.

World Environmental Health Day provides an opportunity to strengthen awareness, responsibility and collective action. It reminds us that prevention is often the most effective way to address environmental health risks and that lasting change requires participation at every level.

Healthy Environment, Healthier Lives. Let us work together to protect our Mother Planet, promote healthier communities and preserve our natural resources for future generations. Every responsible choice, every tree protected, every piece of waste properly managed and every community engaged in environmental action contributes to a healthier and more sustainable world.

On this World Environmental Health Day, let us stand with science, strengthen community action and turn evidence into practical solutions. Together, we can create cleaner environments, healthier communities and a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

Healthy people need healthy environments—and protecting one means protecting the other.

Mayra’s Safe Second Home: A Journey of Care, Growth and Joy

 

Mayra’s Safe Second Home: A Journey of Care, Growth and Joy

Every morning, while most children are busy playing, little Mayra’s parents had a different question on their minds—“Who will look after our little girl while we are at work?”

At just 2.4 years old, Mayra was too young to understand the worries of her parents. Her mother, Asima Toppo, works as a domestic worker, while her father, Rajen Kerketta, earns a living by driving an auto. Their work keeps them away from home for long hours. Like many working families, they had to make a difficult choice every day—earning for the family while ensuring that Mayra was safe, well-fed and cared for.

That worry began to fade when Mayra joined the Ama Kalika Crèche in Rourkela, run by Niyatee Foundation with the support of OMBADC, Sundargarh.

For Mayra, the crèche soon became much more than a place to spend the day. It became her safe second home. She receives freshly prepared, nutritious meals, personal care and a clean and child-friendly space. Through songs, stories, games and simple learning activities, she gets opportunities to play, learn and grow with other children.

The change is also visible at home. Mayra is now a cheerful and active child who enjoys being around her caregivers and friends. More importantly, her parents can go to work with greater peace of mind, knowing that their daughter is safe and receiving proper care throughout the day.

For Asima and Rajen, the crèche has brought something they value deeply—the freedom to work without the constant fear of leaving their young daughter alone.

“The crèche has given our daughter a safe second home, proper food and loving care. We can now work with confidence, knowing Mayra is safe and her future is brighter”, says Asima Toppo, Mayra’s mother.  

Mayra’s story shows that meaningful change does not always begin with something big. Sometimes, it begins with a safe place, a caring hand, a healthy meal and the chance for a child to simply be a child.

 

 

A Dream Worth Pursuing: Niranjan’s Journey Towards a Government Job

For Niranjan Bhoi, a government job is more than a career. It represents independence, dignity and the hope of building a secure future for himself and his family. His journey towards this dream, however, has not been easy.

Niranjan comes from a family with limited resources. As a person with visual impairment, he faced several difficulties while preparing for government job examinations. Finding suitable study materials, getting coaching that understood his needs and knowing about the support available for persons with disabilities were some of the challenges he had to face.

A new opportunity came when Niranjan joined the Government Job Pre-Recruitment Coaching Programme for visually impaired youth, jointly implemented by Niyatee Foundation and the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), Government of Odisha, at the NCSCDA campus in Bhubaneswar.

The programme gave Niranjan regular coaching in General Awareness, Reasoning, Mathematics, English, Odia and Computer Basics. Audio-based study materials and screen-reader-supported digital resources made it easier for him to access lessons and continue his preparation.

But learning did not stop with textbooks and classroom sessions. Niranjan also learned how to use computers, type, send emails, fill out online forms and search for government job opportunities. He received guidance on preparing for interviews and mock interviews, as well as understanding scribe support, extra time in examinations and reservation benefits available to persons with disabilities.

For Niranjan, each new skill has added a little more confidence to his journey. He now has better access to learning, clearer information about opportunities and stronger preparation for the examinations ahead.

Niranjan’s story is a reminder that talent and determination can be found everywhere. What can make the difference is an opportunity, the right guidance and someone willing to walk alongside a person as they pursue their dream.

 

From Worry to Hope: How a Creche Changed Nirupama’s Story

 

From Worry to Hope: How a Creche Changed Nirupama’s Story

 

Every working mother knows the challenge of balancing work and family, but for Asha Tigga, the question was even more difficult: who would care for her infant daughter while she was away serving the community? Asha works as a Home Guard in the Police Department and, with no other family members available to look after her daughter during working hours, managing her professional responsibilities alongside childcare had become a constant challenge.

 

For Asha and her family, the Pradhanpalli-2 Creche became a source of hope and reassurance. Nirupama Kishan, born on 20 March 2025 to Asha Tigga and Basanta Kishan, is a resident of Pradhanpalli. For the past six months, Asha has regularly brought Nirupama to the creche before leaving for duty. Knowing that her daughter is safe, cared for and surrounded by a nurturing environment has given Asha the peace of mind she needs to carry out her responsibilities with confidence.

 

At the creche, Nirupama is receiving much more than care. Her days are filled with play-based learning, storytelling, rhymes, early learning activities and opportunities to interact with other children. She also receives nutritious food, affection and attentive care from the creche workers. With regular attendance, Nirupama has gradually become more active, cheerful and confident. Her daily experiences at the creche are helping her develop age-appropriate communication, social and cognitive skills while encouraging her natural curiosity and love for learning.

 

For Asha, the transformation is equally meaningful. The creche has eased the burden of childcare and enabled her to continue her employment without compromising her daughter’s early development. She can now focus on her duties knowing that Nirupama is in a safe and supportive environment where her needs are being understood and cared for.

 

The Pradhanpalli-2 Creche, operated by Niyatee Foundation with the support of OMBADC, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and District Social Welfare Office (DSWO), Sundargarh, demonstrates how quality community-based childcare can create meaningful change in the lives of both children and their families. Nirupama’s story is a reminder that when a child receives the right care, nutrition, stimulation and affection during the early years, the benefits extend far beyond the child. A safe creche gives parents the confidence to work, families the strength to move forward, and children the opportunity to begin their lives with confidence, dignity and hope.

With Mother	Outside the Creche
Learning Activity	Nutrition Time

Crèche Initiatives: Nurturing Children, Empowering Women, Building Communities

 

Crèche Initiatives: Nurturing Children, Empowering Women, Building Communities

The early years of a child's life lay the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and well-being. Yet, for many families in rural and tribal Odisha, access to safe childcare remains a significant challenge. Working mothers often struggle to balance livelihood responsibilities with childcare, while older siblings—especially girls—are forced to stay home to care for younger children, affecting their education and future opportunities. Recognising these challenges, Niyatee Foundation has been implementing community-based Crèche programmes that strengthen families by nurturing children and empowering women.

Supported by the District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) and OMBADC, the Foundation currently operates 562 community-based crèches across 10 blocks and three municipal corporation zones in the tribal districts of Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Sundargarh, including Rourkela Municipal Corporation. The programme provides integrated Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCD & ECCE) services for children aged 6 months to 3 years, ensuring they receive quality childcare, nutritious meals, regular health monitoring, growth tracking, and age-appropriate early learning in a safe and stimulating environment.

The impact extends well beyond childcare. The programme has created meaningful employment opportunities for more than 1,124 women, who serve as crèche workers, caregivers, supervisors, and community support staff. Through these roles, women gain stable livelihoods, financial independence, leadership skills, and greater participation in community development. Their contribution has transformed the crèches into trusted community institutions where care, learning, and social support come together.

Reliable childcare also enables working mothers to participate in agriculture, wage labour, and other income-generating activities without compromising the safety and well-being of their young children. At the same time, older siblings—particularly adolescent girls—are relieved of childcare responsibilities, allowing them to remain in school and continue their education. In this way, the programme addresses multiple social challenges simultaneously by promoting child development, women's economic empowerment, girls' education, and stronger family resilience.

Today, the Foundation's crèche initiatives are reaching more than 11,240 children, providing them with a healthy start in life and preparing them for successful transition to preschool education. Through play-based learning, nutrition, healthcare, and responsive caregiving, children develop the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social skills that are essential for lifelong learning and development.

Over the years, Niyatee Foundation's community-based approach has demonstrated that quality childcare is not merely a welfare service but a strategic investment in human development. By combining early childhood care with women's employment and community participation, the programme contributes to healthier children, empowered women, stronger families, and more resilient communities.

At Niyatee Foundation, we believe that investing in children and empowering women are among the most effective ways to build an equitable and prosperous society. With 562 crèches, over 1,124 women employed, and more than 11,240 children reached, the Foundation continues to create opportunities where every child receives a nurturing start, every woman is empowered to realise her potential, and every community moves towards a stronger and more inclusive future.

Strong Women. Happy Children. Stronger Tomorrow.

 

 

 🌟 Rajkishore Panda: Rising Beyond Challenges

Niyatee Foundation | SSEPD | NCSCDA, Bhubaneswar

When determination is stronger than circumstances, dreams find a way. At just 24, Rajkishore Panda from Bhandari Pokhori, Bhadrak, has turned adversity into achievement. Born into a modest farming family, with his father, Madhusudan Panda, as the sole earning member and a bank loan burdening the household, Rajkishore carried not only his own aspirations but also the responsibility of supporting his younger brother's dream of becoming an engineer.

After completing his Intermediate education in 2019 from Maa Tarini Higher Secondary School, Panikoili, Rajkishore knew that financial constraints could no longer be ignored. Despite being a person with disability, he refused to let his circumstances define his future.

His turning point came when he enrolled in the Pre-Recruitment Training (PRT) Programme implemented by Niyatee Foundation with the support of the SSEPD Department at the NCSCDA campus, Bhubaneswar. During six months of intensive training, he developed competencies in government job preparation, life skills, soft skills, and basic computer applications. His discipline, perseverance, and eagerness to learn distinguished him throughout the programme.

Today, Rajkishore is employed as a Site Assistant Supervisor with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), earning a monthly in-hand salary of ₹13,060. His employment has strengthened his family's financial security, enabled them to work towards repaying their loan, and brought his brother's educational aspirations closer to reality.

Rajkishore's journey is a powerful reminder that with the right opportunity, guidance, and determination, barriers can become stepping stones. His success reflects the life-changing impact of inclusive skill development and continues to inspire many other youth with disabilities to pursue their ambitions with confidence.

As Surbhi Blossoms, Her Mother Finds Confidence, Creche Rourkela, Implement by Niyatee Foundation

 

As Surbhi Blossoms, Her Mother Finds Confidence

Every morning, Sarira Shau steps out to sell vegetables on the streets of Rourkela, carrying not only her basket of produce but also the responsibility of securing a better future for her daughter, Surbhi.

At just two-and-a-half years old, Surbhi found a second home at the Nayapalli-3 Crèche Centre in Rourkela run by Niyatee Foundation. Here, she receives nutritious meals, loving care, health support, and opportunities to learn, play, and grow.

The transformation has been remarkable. Once dependent on constant parental attention, Surbhi is now a confident, cheerful, and socially active child who eagerly participates in learning activities and enjoys spending time with her friends.

While Sarira sells vegetables, Sudama contributes to the family income through vending and daily wage work.

For Sarira and Sudama, the Crèche Centre has brought peace of mind, allowing them to work with confidence while knowing their daughter is safe and thriving.

Surbhi's story reminds us that when children receive care, nutrition, and early learning opportunities, they don't just grow—they flourish.